Difference Between Modernism and Postmodernism

Modernism and Postmodernism are two kinds of movements that show differences between them. They are two kinds of movements that are based on changes in cultural and social behavior around the world. It is interesting to note that both of them are different periods starting from the 20th century.

Modernism relates to a series of cultural movements that took place in the late nineteenth and the early twentieth centuries. These movements include reforming movements in architecture, art, music, literature and applied arts. On the other hand, postmodernism refers to the confused state of cultural developments. It is more complex when compared to modernism to understand and appreciate. This is basically the main difference between modernism and postmodernism.

It is interesting to note that the period after the World War II is normally considered postmodernism oriented in the sense that there were complex developments in the economic, cultural and social conditions around the globe. There is a strong belief that modernism paved the way for postmodernism. In other words, it can be said that postmodernism was triggered by the developments made in modernism and its advocates.

As a matter of fact, the period after 1960s is generally considered postmodern in nature. On the other hand modernism flourished between 1890s and 1940s preferably till 1945 when World War II ended. Postmodernism is construed as begun after 1968 to be precise.

Thinking too differed in modern and postmodern periods. Thinking is considered irrational and unscientific in its approach during the post modern era. On the other hand, modern thinkers excelled in logical thinking. There was a great input of logic in the thinking of the period of modernism.

Thinkers and artists that belonged to the modernist period searched for the abstract truth of life. They were in search of the real meaning of life. On the other hand, post modernism did not believe in any abstract truth about life. Modernism believed in learning from the experiences of the past. On the other hand, postmodernism did not firmly believe in benefiting from the experiences of the past. In fact, they questioned the authority of textual reading. This is one of the major differences between modernism and postmodernism.

Modernism paid a lot of attention to original works. These works include paintings, sculpture, architecture and poetry. On the other hand, postmodernism did not pay any kind of attention whatsoever to original works. They would dub them as pieces that gained popularity due to propagation.

In fact, during the period of modernism original art was considered primary creations. Much importance was given to literary works. On the other hand, due to the advancements made in the field of science and technology and other allied fields, the period of postmodernism saw no absolute truth in original works. It believes more in the creation of applied art and inter-disciplinary studies. Digital media were used extensively to copy the original works of the modernist period. These are the main differences between the two kinds of movements called modernism and postmodernism.